6,000 Flags: A Lingering Effect

The presentation of Eric, Janelle and Mary, 6,000 Flags, was to me the most brilliant way to handle such combustible subject matter. I found myself telling the details of their presentation to my family, my lady, and all of my friends. It sticks with me because I've been so well acquainted with racism throughout my life. I know the blazing inferno of blatant hate as well as the glacial chill of those who would rather ignore than listen. Their group embraced the negative stereotypes, turned them on their head, and allowed us to step out of ourselves and into a world that is very real, and very powerful.

It was also interesting to see the entire class react to the nametags that each person was given. It seemed that everyone in the class knew of a persona that was not only appropriate for the name, but moreover for the greater nature of the activity. The class transformed from acting students at a final, to mainly wealthy, greedy, bigots, eager to see their business succeed at any cost (although I guess with acting students I shouldn't be so surprised!). It was an overexaggerated, but clearly pointed satire directed at the very foundations of our society. It was also very brave, because the trouble with satire is, there are always people who are too ignorant to understand the punchline. I was happy to see my classmates play along, because it was clear that they understood what was going on.

The entire activity allowed me to rethink the bigotry within myself and brought about a new determination to erase that negativity from within me. I found myself becoming uncomfortable when the term "wetback" was used for the log ride. Then, I thought about all the names that black people had been called while we were being sold, and the truth of the situation rang all too close to home. This country was built on ridicule, forced labor, and deragatory names. Every new group that has integrated to this country has been labeled negatively by the majority.

I applaud the group for the bravery to put up such a risky show. It was well worth the effort, and it is a presentation that I will personally remember for years to come.